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Forensic Science in an Opioid Landscape

This February 12th event has been cancelled and will be rescheduled at a later date... stay tuned.

Designer opioid abuse is not new in the United State, yet the current epidemic brings new and more widespread challenges. Small towns, big cities, village courthouses and federal agencies are all grappling with defining the problem and finding solutions across the sectors of public health, public safety and criminal justice. Dr. Peace will share the history of opioid abuse in the United States and define the current challenges and efforts to combat the epidemic, particularly as it pertains to U.S. crime labs.

Michelle Peace, M.F.S, PhD
Michelle Peace, M.F.S., PhD is a forensic toxicologist and Associate professor in Virginia Commonwealth University where she helped develop the undergraduate program in Forensic Science. Peace has explored a wide range of aspects of forensic science — everything from what can be learned from insects at the scene of a crime to the toxicological effects of Chinese medicinal herbs on the human body.

She served as president of the MCV Alumni Association of VCU from 2015 to 2018 and is currently the president of her professional organization, the Society of Forensic Toxicologists. Peace holds Bachelor degrees in chemistry and biology, a Masters in Forensic Science from George Washington University and a Ph.D. from VCU. Past work includes private research developing improvements for the delivery systems of wine a in bag-in-box units and optimizing forensic toxicology analysis of 4,000 specimens per day. Dr. Peace continues to consult for private companies developing drug testing programs and trains crime scene investigators in the Mid-Atlantic region in the identification, collection, and preservation of entomological evidence.

What to Expect
A 20” talk followed by a 30” Q&A discussion • Table-side and theatre-style seating on a first come basis.

Where and When
Tuesday, February 12 • Doors will open at 6:00 p.m. • Program will begin at 7:00 p.m. and will conclude at 8:00 p.m.The Hof • 2818 West Broad Street Richmond, VA 23230 • Plan a GRTC bus trip (the hunt for parking in Scott’s Addition can be a challenge.)

TicketsNo registration • Attend for free or donate what you can • $7 suggested • Room for 100 curious citizens 21 & up. • If you’re on Facebook, we’d love you to indicate that you're going HERE and to share the news with friends.

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